I know his name. Not sure if he knows mine.
I don't understand what he speaks except for"xyz Ringitts" and he does not understand anything I speak except for the destination and time.
It is easy to guess now that he is a taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur.
Strange are the ways how humans develop relationships. It does not need a language. All it needs is the connection.
I went for a week there, stayed at a hotel and happened to take his taxi on the very first day. Uncertain about the situations and conditions in a foreign city when you are alone, I asked him a for a daily pick up and drop. He agreed. i had tough time explaining "daily" and had to say something like - Tomorrow, tomorrow tomorrow and tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow. Funny isn't it? He came daily and had the same smile. We used to just nod to each other instead of a "good morning" or "good evening". I used to use signs to ask questions like - what are the places to see around? How to reach there? " After a point I realized it is the signs I am using more important and not the language I used for myself. So I used to speak in Kannada and show the right signs using hands and face. It worked.
He showed me how to reach Petronas towers. He took me to Putra Lake. Even in a country of nobody for me, I felt i had somebody when I went with him. Strange trust and confidence that surprised me.
On the last day, when I was leaving I felt - "I might not meet him again in life. No mode of contact. Of course there are no signs on telephone. But he has escorted me everywhere. Unknowingly guarded my safety. When I think of all the possibilities and how bad the world can be, I feel a sense of gratitude for him." When I had a tough time asking for places, how would I even talk about such a complex vague feeling. Of course I cannot.
When I got down at the airport, I was short of cash by 10 Ringitts. I said - "Only 180". He just nodded which said -"Its ok". He left after exchange of smiles. I don't know if he figured our I felt grateful. But it is a good feeling to be thankful.
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